Student Absence from Class
The following information is intended to clarify the use of official absence notification that is prepared by the Dean’s Office, Student Services, Seaton 212.
An official absence notification will be issued for the following reasons (verified documentation will be required if an examination, quiz, project or some form of assessment took place during the absence) if requested by the student:
- illness or injury;
- personal or family emergency;
- severe weather delaying return to campus;
- funeral of a family member or friend; and
- court appearance.
Students are expected to immediately notify the faculty of all other absences including but not limited to:
- illness or injury requiring absence from one class session;
- participation in family activities;
- non-emergency/routine doctor or dental appointments;
- participation in field trips, conferences, meetings or other similar activities; and
- participation in non-varsity athletic activities.
These are not official absences and a faculty member may determine whether the absence will be excused or unexcused.
With regard to faculty or department sponsored field trips (or similar activity), the sponsor should provide each student with a letter stating the purpose of the field trip, the date(s) and time(s) of that trip and any other pertinent information. The student is then responsible for informing each faculty member of his or her anticipated absence. Providing this letter well in advance of the scheduled field trip is highly recommended. It may be more efficient, or practical, for the sponsor to send a letter to the affected faculty and include a list of the students enrolled in that person’s class who will be going on the field trip. A similar protocol should be followed by faculty advisors of student organizations if members are going to a meeting or conference. Please keep in mind that each affected faculty member will determine if this is an excused or unexcused absence for the student. Faculty members are not required to provide make-up exams.
Example letter
Students who miss more than three consecutive class sessions are encouraged to meet with their respective faculty and academic advisor to determine if adjustment to the program of study or other action is appropriate or necessary. There can be serious academic consequences due to absence from class.
Understandably, this is not an exhaustive list (official or unofficial). If you have a question about any issue regarding student absence, please call, email or stop by.
Lynn Ewanow
Associate Professor and Associate Dean
785.532.5047, 212 Seaton Hall
(Document reviewed by the Office of Student Life and the University General Counsel 08/2010).